After Market Power Cables thru Power Conditioner/Surge Protection or Direct to Outlet?

[Shadowfax]

I am curious on thoughts about running PCs directly to outlet vs thru a Furman, Panamax, or other Power conditioner/Surge protection units.
I have read that you won't notice the benefits of After Market (HE) Power Cables if you don't run them directly to the Outlet. Not sure if this is always true and what anyone thinks here about it.

If yes, does it make more sense to change the PC on the conditioner and not the components, or both?

[Speedskater]

I think that it will be situation specific.
Depending on the power conditioner model and the connected hi-fi components.

[Mr Peabody]

I run mine to the Surgex, I liked the sound better than direct to wall, plus, I wanted surge protection for my gear. The Surgex actually has its cord attached. PS Audio suggests better results with replacing the cord that comes with their power products. I do have an aftermarket on my PSA Quintet but really never did a comparison.

You have to be very careful, especially with running power amps into products as to not limit the power to the amp. My Quintet has special outlets for power amps, the Surgex Is said not to limit current. Actually the one on my power amp is a 20 amp version, on a dedicated 20 amp line.

Best to experiment and listen. One of the first power products I tried was an early gen Transparent, it did starve the Krell amp I was using. It was easy to hear the lack of attack when going into the product. Another experience I had was with a very expensive Audience two outlet thing, cost about $1600.00. I can't say what the issue was, I just didn't like it with my Pass amp. The dealer is like, so & so from Stereophile says he wouldn't be without his. Me, I don't know what to tell you but I don't want one.

I'm can't remember how I discovered Surgex, I was skeptical because I never heard of it in audiophile circles, or, at all. I tried one out, after all they say it's used in Carnegie Hall, I liked the result, quieter background and slight overall improvement in sound.

[Shadowfax]

I use an APC HT-15 for my main gear that has dedicated Amp outlets. It does have a detachable cord but it is already 3x beefier than gear stock cords. I am just considering dipping my toes in the pc waters for christmas but got worried after reading reviews. I will just have to play around when I get a few.

[Speedskater]

SurgeX, Brick Wall and ZeroSurge all make excellent products. They all use the same 'Series Mode Surge Protection' technology. Unfortunately they are all very expensive and they can't make whole home units.

[mep]

SurgeX, Brick Wall and ZeroSurge all make excellent products. They all use the same 'Series Mode Surge Protection' technology. Unfortunately they are all very expensive and they can't make whole home units.

Why not change your breakers to surge protection breakers? I found what Mike said about the direction from Gryphon with regards to the new amp was telling. They don't want their amp plugged into any magic power boxes. Just plug it straight into the wall. Think about it...

[octadyndude]

Brian since you're using an APC HT-15 (which I think is an on-line power re-generator) the power cord to the wall won't make much of a difference. On-line means you are always running off the batteries so the input means little in your case. OTOH if you're using a surge suppressor or power distribution like an Ansuz Mainz the power cord to the wall will make a difference. If you really want to try power cables maybe get in touch with the Cable Company and have them send you a couple of cords to try out. There is a fee but IMO it's worth it for a learning experience without having to buy and sell cables

[Shadowfax]

Brian since you're using an APC HT-15 (which I think is an on-line power re-generator) the power cord to the wall won't make much of a difference. On-line means you are always running off the batteries so the input means little in your case. OTOH if you're using a surge suppressor or power distribution like an Ansuz Mainz the power cord to the wall will make a difference. If you really want to try power cables maybe get in touch with the Cable Company and have them send you a couple of cords to try out. There is a fee but IMO it's worth it for a learning experience without having to buy and sell cables

George, Thanks for the tips and info. I don't think my APC has any batteries. I live close enough to the Cable Company and spent some time there when they first opened and sold other gear. I don't plan to spend a lot, just want to see if the tweak works. I will probably buy something from Audio Advisor with a 30 day trial.

[Mr Peabody]

What did you mean when you said Surgex can't make whole home units? When I shopped for mine, which has been a couple years they did offer the protection that goes in-wall at the breaker box for the entire house. I suppose by comparison my SA-15 as memory serves was in the $300.00 range for two outlets where my Quintet was in the $400's for ten outlets. I do get better results from the Surgex.

SurgeX, Brick Wall and ZeroSurge all make excellent products. They all use the same 'Series Mode Surge Protection' technology. Unfortunately they are all very expensive and they can't make whole home units.

[octadyndude]

Well if the APC doen't have batteries maybe from the wall to the APC should make some difference. After all the APC output feed all the components.

[Speedskater]

What did you mean when you said Surgex can't make whole home units?...................

Do you remember the model number? I can't find whole home units on their web-page?

[Shadowfax]

Well I am able to answer my own question now.

I bought some lower end PCs to try this all out and not really expecting much.
2- Pangea AC14SEMKIIs for Pre and CDP and 1- PS Audio AC3 for my Amp. The 1M PS was so back ordered, they sent me a 1.5M for the same price.

The 2 Pangeas arrived last week and went right into play via my APC. Results were not as subtle as I expected. Just overall better sound, openness, trueness of instruments...bass and vocals much clearer.

So with those results, I was hoping to add to it when the PS Audio cable arrived. It came yesterday. I put it in play and let the system warm up for an hour.

I played the same tracks as when I added the Pangea cables so I had a good reference. I was stunned. My Counterpoint never had this much grip and detail. I'm stunned at how much of an improvement was made for $238 bucks.

My wife was in the kitchen and asked me if I was playing a different version of Primus - Mr Krinkle.

I plan to swap at least the amp to my dedicated outlet box and also the pre at some point, but I am more than happy to have joined those who helped me finally decide to chase this tweak.

Rebecca Pidgeon was in my living room last night singing The Word Around Town.

I finally have that sound I hear at shows or stores where the music seems to ooze out and is not forced. It almost seems like the music has slowed down so you can hear each note and instrument longer.

[octadyndude]

Great news Brian